Delighted children had something to celebrate as they were presented with Digital Schools Awards at a glittering ceremony.

Cochrane Castle Primary, in Johnstone, and Busby Primary, in East Renfrewshire, were among those to collect prestigious prizes as part of a new national programme supported by tech giants HP, Microsoft and Intel.

The aim is to promote and recognise a ‘whole school’ approach to the use of digital technology.

Pam McDowell, headteacher at Cochrane Castle Primary, said her school has pushed hard to include digital technology in learning.

She added: “Everyone at the school is proud of this achievement.

“I’m passionate about providing our pupils with the best learning experience and I firmly believe digital technology can support learning in the classroom.

“With more and more people using digital technology in everyday life, their job and for leisure, it is even more important that children and young people have digital skills.”

A group of P7 pupils from Busby Primary were the only primary school representatives at the Apps for Good showcase in Edinburgh, where they were able to demonstrate working prototypes of apps created in school.

Mark Weir, acting headteacher, said it was one of many reasons judges were impressed by his school.

He added: “Everyone at Busby Primary is extremely proud to have accepted the Digital Schools Award as recognition for all the fantastic learning that takes place here.

“The ceremony was a rewarding experience and our head boy and head girl presented examples of their learning in a very professional manner.

“The assessors were impressed by the range of opportunities given to our pupils. These include real-life links to the world of work and the role that digital technologies will play in the future lives of our pupils.

“The Digital Schools Award is validation of work already undertaken but also acts as an inspiration to further develop the learning experiences of our pupils going forward.”

Participating schools are asked to self-assess their developments in digital technology under areas of leadership and vision, technology for learning and teaching, school culture, professional development and resources and infrastructure.

Schools can register online at www.digitalschoolsawards.co.uk.